Physical description

Statement of significance

The People for Nuclear Disarmament collection no. 1 consists of the Peace Bus, which was driven around the east of Australia to promote the cause of world peace and nuclear disarmament. The collection also contains objects that travelled on the bus, including promotional and educational material, office equipment and documents, and manuals and tools for maintaining the bus.

The bus was purchased in 1982 by the People for Nuclear Disarmament from the NSW Urban Transport Authority. It operated as a mobile PND education centre, promoting the cause of nuclear disarmament and world peace. The bus travelled over 24 000 km and was visited by more than 40 000 people between 1984 and 1987. The mural, designed by artist Jenny Short and painted by a team of 90 volunteers, features images of the Australian and Pacific environment. This reflects the concern of the PND for the environmental and social implications of nuclear weapons testing and warfare. The bus travelled extensively throughout NSW and into Victoria, South Australia, Queensland and the ACT.